HUE_CALM Air Light Defense Sun Stick

HUE_CALM Air Light Defense Sun Stick

SPF 50Efficacy90/100IrritancyMedium·2 UV filters
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Works for

1 of 1 advertised claim delivered

Sun protection
SPF 50 · 2 UV filters
Broad spectrum
SPF 50Broad spectrumMineral + chemical filters

This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Zinc Oxide
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
Butyloctyl SalicylateUVBA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own~0.7–1%
Zinc Oxide Mineral UVBUVA Photo-stable A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant~44–54%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Anti-aging
Not advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: centella asiatica leaf extract.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

This product can also help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.

AdenosineKey activeEffect: HighMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.25–0.4%
Centella asiatica leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.~0.35–0.65%
Evens skin tone
Not advertised by the brand · No ingredient credited for this claim
Strong support

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).

Moisturizing
Not advertised by the brand · 14 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: helianthus annuus seed oil, vinyl dimethicone.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~0.5–0.75%
GuaiazuleneKey activeEffect: HighA blue-colored ingredient that is traditionally used as a colorant. It has anti-inflammatory properties. For example, it is successfully used to treat diaper rash for new borns. It can help support the skin barrier by reducing inflammation~0.1–0.15%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.35–0.6%
PolymethylsilsesquioxaneKey activeEffect: HighA silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss~0.55–0.8%
Vinyl dimethiconeKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA type of silicone that helps to create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.9%
Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.95–1.15%
Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~3.2–3.9%
Olea europaea fruit oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation~0.5–0.75%
AdenosineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)~0.25–0.4%
C12-15 alkyl benzoateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumEnhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth~0.65–1%
Isopropyl palmitate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency~5.2–6.4%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.65–1%
Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
1 strong irritant: Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
Medium risk
We flagged 13 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.45–0.7%est.
Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~5.2–6.4%est.
Acrylates copolymerUsed to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistencyMedium~2–2.4%est.
Benzotriazolyl dodecyl p-cresolUsed to stabilize the product formulation protecting it from sun lightMedium~1.5–1.9%est.
Butyloctyl salicylateA synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its ownMedium~0.7–1%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~0.65–1%est.
Polyhydroxystearic acidUsed to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulationMedium~0.55–0.85%est.
Olea europaea fruit oilAn emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammationMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Centella asiatica leaf extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.Medium~0.35–0.65%est.
Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extractMight be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Isopropyl palmitateHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency3/5~5.2–6.4%est.
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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Zinc oxide~44–54%
UV filterKey active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

A broad spectrum sunblock (protects from both UVA and UVB rays). Is suitable for most sensitive skins. In small concentrations, can be used as a colorant

More about Zinc oxide
Ci 77947~11–14%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 77947
Isopropyl palmitate~5.2–6.4%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a thicker product consistency

More about Isopropyl palmitate
Synthetic wax~3.9–4.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and thicken product consistency

More about Synthetic wax
Coco-caprylate/caprate~3.2–3.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate
Silica~2.9–3.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer~2.4–2.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that create a smooth product finish and can create an optical soft-focus effect on the skin. Helps to thicken the product consistency

More about Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer
Acrylates copolymer~2–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize product formulation, help create an even product layer over skin (for example, in sunscreen) and create a thicker product consistency

More about Acrylates copolymer
Benzotriazolyl dodecyl p-cresol~1.5–1.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize the product formulation protecting it from sun light

More about Benzotriazolyl dodecyl p-cresol
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~1.1–1.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate
Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate~0.95–1.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate
Butyloctyl salicylate~0.7–1%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A synthetic ester of salicylic acid that is used to help disperse pigments and boost effectiveness of sunscreen ingredients. It is able to absorb UV light (working as an organic, or chemical filter), but is not approved as a sunscreen ingredient on its own

More about Butyloctyl salicylate
C12-15 alkyl benzoate~0.65–1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Enhances the product texture and makes it more spreadable. Helps reduce water loss from the outer layer of skin. Extands the shelf life by preventing bacteria growth

More about C12-15 alkyl benzoate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.65–1%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Polymethyl methacrylate~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Is used to enhance product texture and can help to optically mask skin imperfections

More about Polymethyl methacrylate
Microcrystalline wax~0.65–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Microcrystalline wax
Synthetic fluorphlogopite~0.6–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A mineral that is used as an optical filter (makes the skin looks nicer through light reflection) and to improve the texture of cosmetic products

More about Synthetic fluorphlogopite
Vinyl dimethicone~0.6–0.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that helps to create a nice product texture and soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Vinyl dimethicone
Polyhydroxystearic acid~0.55–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency and stabilize the formulation

More about Polyhydroxystearic acid
Polymethylsilsesquioxane~0.55–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss

More about Polymethylsilsesquioxane
Triethoxycaprylylsilane~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that helps oil and water mix well together. Helps to disperse other ingredients, e.g. pigments, evenly in a formulation

More about Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Olea europaea fruit oil~0.5–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin but is not effective for restoring its barrier function. Might be helpful to calm down inflammation

More about Olea europaea fruit oil
Artemisia vulgaris oil~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.45–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
Juniperus communis fruit oil~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Ferula galbaniflua resin oil~0.35–0.6%
Formula
Candida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate ferment~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together and preserve the product formulation

More about Candida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate ferment
Vitis vinifera seed oil~0.5–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Centella asiatica leaf extract~0.35–0.65%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. It can be irritating to sensitive skin. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It could, however, itself be irritating.

More about Centella asiatica leaf extract
Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extract~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin but solid research is lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extract
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.35–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Polyglyceryl-4 diisostearate/polyhydroxystearate/sebacate
Not recognized
Adenosine~0.25–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-agingMoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)

More about Adenosine
Water~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Butylene glycol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
1,2-hexanediol~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Guaiazulene~0.1–0.15%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A blue-colored ingredient that is traditionally used as a colorant. It has anti-inflammatory properties. For example, it is successfully used to treat diaper rash for new borns. It can help support the skin barrier by reducing inflammation

More about Guaiazulene
Ingredient list view

Zinc oxide, Ci 77947, Isopropyl palmitate, Synthetic wax, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Silica, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Acrylates copolymer, Benzotriazolyl dodecyl p-cresol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Butylene glycol dicaprylate/dicaprate, Butyloctyl salicylate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Polymethyl methacrylate, Microcrystalline wax, Synthetic fluorphlogopite, Vinyl dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Olea europaea fruit oil, Artemisia vulgaris oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Juniperus communis fruit oil, Ferula galbaniflua resin oil, Candida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate ferment, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Centella asiatica leaf extract, Brassica oleracea acephala leaf extract, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Unknown, Adenosine, Water, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Guaiazulene

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Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
HUE_CALMAir Light Defense Sun StickYOUR PRODUCTACWELLSolar Defense Licorice Sun CreamRadical SkincareUV Skin Perfecting Screen SPF 30SKIN 1004.Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light SPF30 PA++++
Match—52%50%50%
Price$18.00$28.00+$10.00$50.24+$32.24—
Shared key ingredients—4 of 104 of 103 of 10
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy Medium Low Low Low
SPFSPF 50SPF 50SPF 30SPF 30
Drying alcohol—— Contains drying alcohol —
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Product summary

The ingredient list suggests that "HUE_CALM - Air Light Defense Sun Stick" can provide reliable sun protection. It can protect from both UVA and UVB rays. This is great news because not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. (UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).

It also works as a moisturizer, so you do not have to use an additional hydrating product. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product helps prevent early signs of aging.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses a mixture of both mineral and organic (so-called "chemical") UV filters. Here are the organic filters this product uses: butyloctyl salicylate. As for the mineral filters, this sunscreen uses zinc oxide.

Irritation risk

This moisturizer contains actives that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

Price

The product retails for 18.00$ in the United States.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 27 studies and safety reviews.

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HUE_CALM Air Light Defense Sun Stick
HUE_CALMAir Light Defense Sun Stick

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